Schaumburg Regional Airport Named 2018 Airport of the Year

Ken Martin, Director of the Division of Aeronautics for IDOT; Erik Trydal, Schaumburg Regional Airport Manager; Karyn Robles, Schaumburg Director of Transportation; and Gov. Bruce Rauner pose with the 2018 Airport of the Year Award.

Ken Martin, Director of the Division of Aeronautics for IDOT; Erik Trydal, Schaumburg Regional Airport Manager; Karyn Robles, Schaumburg Director of Transportation; and Gov. Bruce Rauner pose with the 2018 Airport of the Year Award. (Posted by VILLAGE OF SCHAUMBURG, Community Contributor)

The airport was selected because of its accomplishments throughout the year, including an outstanding partnership with IDOT and a strong commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Among the award considerations are cooperation and coordination with the state, facility safety record, promotion of seminars and aviation events, and maintenance of the facility.

"The village has owned Schaumburg Regional Airport since 1994 and over the years this airport has been molded into a professional and first-class airport operation, generating a total economic impact of more than $18.9 million to the region," said Schaumburg Village President Al Larson. "We're honored to receive this award designating Schaumburg Regional Airport as one of the best aviation operations in the state."

Schaumburg Regional Airport is a public-use general aviation airport comprised of a single runway, full parallel taxiway and parking, all of which encompasses 117 acres in both Cook County and DuPage County. Located at 905 W. Irving Park Road, the airport is home to approximately 90 aircraft and handles about 35,000 operations per year.

The airport is also home to numerous businesses-including Pilot Pete's restaurant, Chicagoland's only aviation-themed eatery-aircraft charters, flight training, airplane and helicopter rides, and aircraft maintenance. The airport is also frequently used by many of Chicagoland news network helicopters.

"The village is pleased to receive this distinction, which recognizes the dedication and work that has contributed to making Schaumburg Regional Airport an exceptional airport in Illinois," said Schaumburg Director of Transportation Karyn Robles. "The village thanks the Illinois Department of Transportation for its support and we will continue to provide the very best in services as part of the Illinois aviation system."

Schaumburg Village Manager Brian Townsend also added, "This award recognizes the hard work of a number of individuals who dedicate themselves to providing a quality facility and experience to members of the aviation community. Karyn Robles, Director of Transportation, and Erik Trydal, Airport Manager, are to be commended for their efforts in making Schaumburg Regional Airport one of the best airports in the state."

Joining Schaumburg Regional Airport as winners of the award this year are MidAmerica Airport, Lewis University Airport, Olney-Noble Airport, St. Louis Metro East/Shafer Field and Springfield Memorial Medical Center Heliport. The awards were presented by Gov. Bruce Rauner on May 24 during the Illinois Aviation Conference in Springfield.